If a plant is experiencing water stress, how might this impact the translocation of sugars, and why?
Understand the Problem
The question explores the link between water stress in plants and the translocation (movement) of sugars within the plant. It asks how a plant's sugar transport system is affected when it doesn't have enough water and why that effect occurs. The core concept here is the pressure flow mechanism (also known as bulk flow), which is how plants move sugars from sources (like leaves) to sinks (like roots or fruits).
Answer
Water stress reduces sugar translocation due to decreased photosynthesis and phloem pressure, potentially causing sugar accumulation in leaves.
Water stress can reduce the rate of translocation of sugars due to decreased photosynthetic activity and reduced pressure in the phloem. This may lead to accumulation of sugars in the leaves and reduced supply to other parts of the plant.
Answer for screen readers
Water stress can reduce the rate of translocation of sugars due to decreased photosynthetic activity and reduced pressure in the phloem. This may lead to accumulation of sugars in the leaves and reduced supply to other parts of the plant.
More Information
Translocation is the process by which plants move sugars from source tissues (e.g., leaves) to sink tissues (e.g., roots, fruits, and developing leaves) through the phloem.
Tips
It's important to remember that water stress affects various plant processes, not just translocation. Reduced photosynthesis, impaired nutrient uptake, and changes in sugar metabolism are all interconnected effects of water scarcity.
Sources
- What is the impact of water stress on translocation? - TutorChase - tutorchase.com
- How do environmental factors impact translocation? - TutorChase - tutorchase.com
- the effect of water stress on translocation in relation to ... - publish.csiro.au
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